A Multiple Subject Teaching Credential enables a person to teach in a self-contained (K-12) classroom in California. Point Loma prepares Liberal Studies majors as well as other students who have completed a bachelor’s program for the teaching profession. Students receive coursework in educational research and theory as well as methodology in reading, language arts, science, social studies, and mathematics. Credential requirements are subject to change based on state and federal requirements which supersede any existing catalog requirements.

1. SUBJECT MATTER COMPETENCE

All students must pass the California Subject Examination for Teachers (CSET). The CSET-Multiple Subjects is California’s approved examination. All subtests of the CSET must be passed prior to registering for Education 550/551, Student Teaching II/ Student Teaching Inquiry and Reflection II. Additionally, students must have registered for and taken at least one CSET subtest prior to applying for admission to the credentialing program. Priority will be given to those candidates who have passed all sub-tests of the CSET prior to application for admission to the teacher credentialing program. Information and application forms for the CSET are available in the School of Education office in Evans Hall and at Mission Valley Regional Center.

2. PROFESSIONAL PREPARATION

The following sequenced courses are required for a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential. For detailed explanations of these courses see descriptions in this section of the Catalog.

COURSE	TITLE	UNITS
EDU 402/502	Research-Based Learning Theory	3
EDU 304/504	Legal, Ethical, and Wesleyan Perspectives on Education	3
EDU 306/506	Principles of Language Acquisition	3
EDU 508	Assessment and Research Practices	3
EDU 520	Differentiated Reading and Related Language Arts Instruction For All Learners	3
EDU 522	Differentiated Writing and Related Language Arts Instruction for All Learners	3
EDU 324/524	Differentiated Mathematics Instruction for All Learners	3
EDU 526	Differentiated Elementary Science, Health, And Physical Education Instruction for All Learners	3
EDU 528	Differentiated Social Science and Visual and Performing Arts Instruction for All Learners	3
EDU 540	Student Teaching I	4
EDU 541	Student Teaching Inquiry and Reflection I	1
EDU 550	Student Teaching II	4
EDU 551	Student Teaching Inquiry and Reflection II	1
	TOTAL	37
Note: All students must be formally approved and admitted to the Teacher Credentialing Program prior to Student Teaching I (Education 540).

3. CALIFORNIA BASIC EDUCATIONAL SKILLS TEST (CBEST)

All students must pass the California Basic Educational Skills test to qualify for a teaching credential in California. A passing score on the CBEST is required prior to registration for Education 540/541 Student Teaching I/ Student Teaching Inquiry and Reflection I. Evidence of progress toward passing the CBEST will be required as part of the application process. Information and application forms are available in the School of Education ffice at Evans Hall and Mission Valley.

4. EDUCATION

Completion of a baccalaureate or higher degree from a regionally accredited college or university is required in applying for the preliminary teaching credential. A 2.750 minimum overall grade-point average is required for admission into the teacher credentialing program. Students with 2.600-2.749 overall grade-point averages may be considered for admission on appeal.

5. U.S. CONSTITUTION

Met by exam or approved course.

6. DEVELOPING ENGLISH LANGUAGE SKILLS

Met by passing Education 520.

7. READING INSTRUCTION COMPETENCE ASSESSMENT (RICA).

Students are required to pass the RICA exam. Information is available in the School of Education office in Evans Hall and at the Mission Valley Regional Center.

8. TEACHER PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT (TPA)

In addition to completing the required coursework for the preliminary teaching credential, all candidates will also be required to successfully pass California’s Teacher Performance Assessment (TPA). The TPA consists of four tasks. Each task covers specific Teacher Performance. Expectations (TPEs) defined by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. Specific TPA tasks are included as part of, or corresponding to, the coursework in PLNU's credential programs.

9. CURRENT CPR CERTIFICATION

Successful completion of an approved infant-child-adult CPR course and documentation of that fact is required before applying for a preliminary credential.

10. COMPUTER LEVEL I COMPETENCIES

Computer Level I competencies are imbedded into EDU coursework and successful completion of coursework will meet this standard.

By completing steps 1-10 satisfactorily, a student may apply for a Preliminary Teaching Credential which is valid for five years.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

Students must file for the credential through the credential analyst at the Mission Valley Regional Center. Students are recommended for their credential based on successful passage of all current credential requirements. Credential requirements are subject to change based on state and federal requirements which supersede any existing catalog requirements.

This application process is completed with credential analyst.

Additional Endorsements: Subject matter and supplementary authorizations are endorsements to a credential that allow an individual to teach a class or classes in a subject outside the area in which he/she earned a credential.

There are two types of added endorsements: Subject matter authorizations and supplementary authorizations. The subjects include but are not limited to: Art, English, Languages other than English, Mathematics, Science and Social Science. For more information about authorizations, contact a School of Education faculty advisor or credential analyst.

OBTAINING A PROFESSIONAL CREDENTIAL

Candidates will earn the Professional Clear Credential through a California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC) approved Professional Teacher Induction program, through an approved school district, county office of education, college or university, consortium, or private school. The Induction Program includes the advanced study of health education, special education, computer education, and teaching English learners.

PLNU offers a special Master of Arts in Education degree with a concentration in Teaching and Learning in partnership with public school districts offering a Beginning Teacher Support and Assessment (BTSA) Induction Program. For more information see www.pointloma.edu/graded or contact the School of Education office in Evans Hall (main campus) or at the Mission Valley Regional Center.